Social networks

Online Misinformation Most Likely to Be Believed by Ideological Extremists: Study
There has been a dramatic rise of online misinformation, but the influence of misinformation is not universal. Rather, users with extreme political views are more likely than are others to both encounter and believe false news.
- Read more
Online Signals of Extremist Mobilization
Olivia Brown’s study analyses the online behaviors of individuals who mobilized to right-wing extremist action, revealing that discussions about violent actions and logistical planning, rather than ideological content, are key indicators of mobilization.
- Read more

Research Showing Facebook's News-Feed Algorithm Curbs Election Misinformation Debunked
Though Facebook can limit untrustworthy content, new research suggests it often chooses not to. A flawed Meta-funded research helped to create the misperception, widely reported by the media, that Facebook and Instagram’s news feeds are largely reliable sources of trustworthy news.
- Read more
Neo-Nazi Telegram Users Panic Amid Crackdown and Arrest of Alleged Leaders of Online Extremist Group
An analysis by ProPublica and FRONTLINE shows a surge in activity on Telegram channels aligned with the Terrorgram Collective, as allies tried to rally support for their comrades in custody and sought to oust users they believed to be federal agents.
- Read more

California Laws Target Deepfake Political Ads, Disinformation
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed three pieces of legislation restricting the role that artificial intelligence, specifically deepfake audio and video recordings, can play in election campaigns.
- Read more
Toll of QAnon on Families of Followers
Political conspiracy theories have long found receptive audiences in the U.S., often on the fringes of society. Among the best-known today is QAnon, a set of fabricated claims that a group of Satan-worshiping pedophiles controls American politics and media. At its center is an anonymous oracle known as “Q.” New book by Nieman Fellow explores pain, frustration in efforts to help loved ones break free of hold of conspiracy theorists.
- Read more

Five Disinformation Tactics Russia Is Using to Try to Influence the U.S. Election
The White House’s recent exposure of Russian attempts to influence this year’s U.S. presidential election will come as little surprise to anyone who followed disinformation tactics during the last U.S. election. The practices alleged by DOJ has become standard practice in Russian attempts to influence international audiences.
- Read more
The Accelerationists’ App: How Telegram Became the “Center of Gravity” for a New Breed of Domestic Terrorists
From attempting to incite racially motivated violence to encouraging attacks on critical infrastructure, the alleged crimes planned and advertised by extremists on Telegram go far beyond the charges facing CEO Pavel Durov.
- Read more

Conspiracy, Fake News, Crime: Why Is Telegram Controversial?
Telegram has been used by all sides in Russia, both pro-and anti-government groups. The arrest of CEO Pavel Durov in Paris has left Russia’s opposition worried. But the messaging app is well known for its drawbacks.
- Read more
As Tools for Hybrid Threats, Apps Like Telegram Must Be Accountable
Once celebrated as the ultimate tool for free communication thanks to its encryption and lax moderation practices, Telegram now stands accused by French authorities of facilitating criminal activities and possibly being exploited for hybrid threats, particularly by Russian state actors. Hybrid threats blend military force with non-military tactics including cyberattacks and disinformation.
- Read more

What Is the Online Safety Act and Why Have Riots in the U.K. Reopened Debates About It?
Social media played a key role in the widespread coordination of riots in locations across the country. Online platforms have also served as a vehicle through which misinformation and hateful rhetoric has spread.
- Read more
Study Highlights Challenges in Detecting Violent Speech Aimed at Asian Communities
A study of language detection software found that algorithms struggle to differentiate anti-Asian violence-provoking speech from general hate speech. Left unchecked, threats of violence online can go unnoticed and turn into real-world attacks.
- Read more

App Helps Users Transition from Doom-Scrolling to Mindfulness
Do you find yourself doom-scrolling, or spending more time than you should consuming negative news on the internet and social media and want to stop? New app unites principles from art and technology to encourage mindfulness on-the-go.
- Read more
DOJ Sues TikTok and Parent Company ByteDance for Widespread Violations of Children’s Privacy Laws
U.S. law prohibits website operators from knowingly collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under the age of 13, unless they provide notice to and obtain consent from those children’s parents.
- Read more
Despite Security Concerns, TikTok Still Plays Key Role in 2024 Race
Despite national security concerns about TikTok – and its ties to China – the popular short-form video app is playing an important role on the campaign trail for both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The reason, experts say, is because the platform remains a crucial tool for candidates to reach young voters.
- Read more

More headlines